LOVING LATELY #4

Well...it's been a while hasn't it? It appears I've been pretty busy over the last few months and unfortunately that means my little old blog has taken a backseat. I'm sure you've all been beside yourselves with grief but fear not, for I am back. Anyways, I thought it was about time for another instalment of Loving Lately. So, without further ado...

Being more at the 'dry skin' end of the spectrum, I've never been too fussed about powders and usually just stuck to my cheap and trusty Rimmel Stay Matte (review here). But recently I was feeling completely wild and reckless so I bought the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in the shade Light and I am in LOVE. It is just magic: it sets your makeup, it mattifies but still manages to look glowy (???) and is totally invisible on the skin. It has definitely converted me to being a powder kinda gal.

I don't know why it's taken me so long to get the Sleek Contour Kit but I'm so glad I finally did because I'm getting so much use out of it. The contour shade is insanely pigmented so you only need the tiniest amount but it is the perfect colour: not too Oompa-Loompa orange but warm enough to get that healthy, tanned look down. And the highlighter is the prettiest shade with just the right amount of shimmer. Both are housed in a dinky and, pardon the pun, sleek compact with a sizable mirror which is rather handy for on the go.

I tend to favour cheaper brands like Bourjois or Max Factor for my mascaras because I'd rather shell out on products that would last me a bit longer and are a bit more exciting, you know? But when I went on holiday in the summer I went a bit crazy in duty free and got the Benefit They're Real Mascara. And I'm converted. It's my favourite mascara I've ever tried and, while pretty pricey, definitely worth the cash. It just does the lot: lengthens, thickens, adds volume and separates without looking clumpy or OTT. My tube is starting to dry up now but I'm torn between repurchasing and Benefit's Roller Lash because I've heard even better things about that - which should I go for?

In my last post (here) I showed off the Essie nail polishes I got on Fragrance Direct for a ridiculously good price and Style Cartel is the one that's been getting the most love. It's a classic Lucy shade - very dark, nearly-black, blue. I am a big fan of dark nails and this one is one of my all time favourites. Obviously it goes on smooth and is opaque in two coats, like all Essie polishes, and the colour is just so chic and classy it makes me feel like a lady who's got her shiz together.

Finally, I've got a lippy. Lips is the one area of my makeup collection that is looking a bit sad and unloved and I definitely want to crack out the lipsticks more often. However, one lipstick that definitely has had some use is the Revlon Colourburst Lacquer Balm in Ingenue. It's a glossy, browny, nude that isn't like WOW SHE'S WEARING LIPSTICK but is just enough. Plus, the fact that it's in a crayon makes it dead easy to apply and it's much more fun, let's be honest.

And there you have it. I've missed writing my blog so it's really nice to get back into it. I hope you all had a lovely Christmas/New Year/Generic Winter Holiday and I'll be back soon.